Newton Aycliffe FC v North Shields

By Paul McGeary
Allan Oliver will have been left hoping that the game had fell foul of the elements for a third time as he witnessed his side bow out of the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Second Division Cup with nothing more than a whimper.
The first half was poor with neither side really threatening until Brian Smith's header for the visitors on 42 minutes. Despite the ball appearing to be yards over the line, both referee and assistant were ill-placed and play continued to Shields' disbelief.
Shields put this behind them though and took the lead with the first attack of the second period; Andrew Hay's strong run followed by a 25-yard rocket after just 16 seconds. The same man put space between the sides with a low left footed effort on 68 minutes and the victory was sealed in injury time when former Premiership star and much travelled Graham Fenton slotted home when sent through unmarked.
This was Aycliffe's first defeat in cup competition at the seventh attempt and it also brought an end to their fantastic, seven-match unbeaten streak.
Oliver will be hoping the short seven mile trip on Saturday to neighbours Darlington RA doesn't prove another not-so-lucky omen!